Mobile outrigger for scaffolds

ABSTRACT

A mobile outrigger for scaffolds, which outrigger is in the form of a pair of transversely spaced trucks which are wheeled by casters on a roof to permit movement of the scaffolds laterally and vertically as well as toward or away from the building. The far ends of the trucks are weighted to counter-balance the weight of the scaffolds. The casters may be locked into any position following each 90* rotation. Extensions on the trucks are provided to allow them to turn the corner on the roof. Vertical adjustments may also be provided to clear parapets and other obstructions on the roof.

y posirotationl Extensions on the trucks are provided to allow them toturn the corner on the roof. Vertical adjustments ma Dec. 17, 1974 ggcris in paced trucks which heeled by casters on a roof to permit movemente scaffolds laterally and vertically as well as toward or away from thebuilding. The far ends of the trucks are weighted to counter-balance theweight of y also be protructions on the 3,456,756 7/1969 3,463,2658/1969 Clover 3,608,670 9/1971 Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. MachadoAttorney, Agent, or FirmWilliam J. Ruano [57] ABSTRACT A mobileoutrigger for scaffolds, which outri the form of a pair of transverselys are w of th the scaffolds. The casters may be locked into an tionfollowing each 90 vided to clear parapets and other obs roof.

5 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Inventor: Thomas M. Shingler, Pittsburgh,Pa. Assignee: Cyclops Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa. Filed: June 1, 1973App]. No.: 365,955

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 317,180,Dec. 21, 1972.

Field of Search......... 182/36, 37, 38, 150, 142, 182/143, 144,63,179,118,119;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/1934Goranson........................,... 6/1961Pennington................,.......,.v

United States Patent [191 Shingler MOBILE OUTRIGGER FOR SCAFFOLDS m 3..W em

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1 MOBILE OUTRIGGER FOR SCAFFOLDS This invention is acontinuation-in-part of that described in my pending application Ser.No. 317,180, filed Dec. 21, 1972, entitled HANGING SCAFFOLD- ING.

The present invention relates to a mobile outrigger for adjustablysuspending the scaffold described in the above identifed application.

An outstanding disadvantage of presently used devices for suspendingscaffolds is that they require considerable time to erect and to movefrom one position to another, often requiring complicated mounts whichdo not possess sufficient safety factors to give adequate protection toworkmen on the scaffolds.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel outrigger forscaffolds, which outrigger is mobile so as to be easily and quicklyrolled from one fixed position to another to move the scaffolds sidewiseand vertically relative to the face of a building, as well as toward andaway from such face, in an exceedingly short space of time, andincluding means for effectively locking the outrigger in any selectedposition with maximum safety to the workmen.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mobile outrigger forscaffolds which may be rolled on top of a roof by casters so as topermit rolling in either a lateral direction or at right angles thereto,together with hoists for adjusting the height of the scaffolds so as toprovide universal adjustment of the scaffolds relative to the face ofthe building to provide maximum convenience to workmen.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a wheeled outriggeror carrier for suspending scaffolds, which assembly is so constructedand adjustable as to enable turning of a corner on the roof as well asinvolving the capability of the outrigger of being raised adjustably inheight to clear parapets and other obstructions on the roof.

Other objects and advantages will become more apparent from a study ofthe following description, taken with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of a mobile outrigger and suspendedscaffold combination or system embodying the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of one of the trucks illustrated in FIG.1 as viewed from the right thereof;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end view of the trucks of FIG. 2 as viewed fromthe left of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic, perspective views illustrating how themobile outrigger can move the scaffold assembly around a comer of thebuilding;

FIG. 6 is a modification of the trucks illustrated in FIG. 2 embodying avertical adjustable feature; and,

FIG. 7 is an end view of the structure shown in FIG. 6.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a mobileoutrigger mounted on a roof for suspending a scaffold in a universallyadjustable manner and embodying the principles of the present invention.The outrigger comprises a pair of light weight structural beams 2,preferably of aluminum, or possibly of steel, etc., on the outer ends ofwhich are suspended a pair of ladders 15, for supporting one or moredecks 21. The outrigger and scaffold system illustrated in FIG. 1 isuseful not only for erection of light gauge siding on the building,shown in dash and dot outline, but for other trades or glazers, windowwashers, curtain wall installers and the like.

Each truck or mobile carrier comprising the outrigger includes a beam 2with an adjustable or telescoping feature supported on a truck 3 mountedon caster wheels 4 having pedal-controlled integral brakes 5 which lockthe caster wheels and prevent rotation, being capable to lock the castereffect in increments of rotation. Thus the beams 2 not only translateback and forth across the eave of the building structure, but allow forin and out adjustment of the beams relative to the face of the buildingso as to move the scaffolding accordingly relative to the roof edge.This gimbalable feature provides complete freedom of movement at theroof level and allows for accurate and safe placement of the outriggerbeam assembly.

Thus the scaffold may be easily and quickly moved along the face of thebuilding and indexed and locked in any selected position, to preventcaster effect, as the work progresses.

Since roofing material are susceptible to damage from concentratedloads, the casters are set on planking 6 of wood, or possibly of metal,which serves as a track to dissipate wheel loads and further reduces theforce required to move the rig as work progresses. All movement of theoutrigger is done at roof level simply by pushing the beams 2 in thedesired direction.

The trucks 3 permit the placement of caster wheels 4 on a widecenter-to-center dimension or stance. This gives extreme stability tothe outrigger beam, making roll-over of the beam impossible.

The transverse beams 3 are strutted into the outrigger beam by usingangle ties 7 which prevent movement of one beam with respect to theother. The trucks and outrigger beams are provided with reinforcements8, in the form of flanges or channels, to resist web crippling due toconcentrated loads both at the point of suspension for the hoists 18, 19and at crossing and caster connections.

The outboard truck 3 has mounted thereon an outrigger beam guide 9 toallow the outrigger beam 2 to be telescoped out away from the worksurface far enough so that the scaffolding can be maneuvered around abuilding corner and clear all structural surfaces, as indicatedschematically in FIGS. 4 and 5. This important feature replaces the needto completely disassemble a rig to maneuver a building comer and thussaves a large number of man hours.

Fasteners are provided to fix the trucks 3 relative to the outriggerbeam 2 so that a predetermined ratio is established between theoverhanging point of load and the inboard counterweight pan 12. Byanticipating the weights of the ladders, hoists, picks (or decks) andthe workmen, a nest of counterweights 13 can be assembled tocounter-balance the scaffolding and offer resistance to overturn,multiplied by safety factors as required by local building codes andgood engineering judgment.

The counterweights 13 are padlocked in the pan 12 by looping a chaintherearound and connecting at points 35 and 36 (FIG. 7) so as to preventaccidental unloading that would endanger the working man. Thecounterweights have handles 14 to facilitate handling.

The mobile outrigger can be completely disassembled for ease ofshipment, assembly time being very minimal.

The outrigger beams 2 are used in conjunction with a ladder system 15,with the ladder rungs 16 serving as tubular supports for the scaffolddeck. The ladders have an offset connection point 17 at the top to allowboth electric climbing unit 18 clearance when in the pull-up position,also to provide an end barrier for a man working on a scaffold deckplaced high on the ladder. A hand-operated block and tackle 19 may beused in place of the electric climbing unit. Of course, both units 18and 19 maybe either electric or mechanical, as desired.

The ladders 15 are preferably made of aluminum for light weight andstrength with a cross-section adequate to resist any combination ofloads, plus safety factors to which it may be subjected. Connectors 20of high strength are fixed to each end so that the multiplicity ofsegments can be added end-wise at regular intervals. This willaccomodate as many stages as deemed necessary for the particularapplication. The ladders may be provided in 8ft. lengths and arecompletely modular and interchangeable. This length gives each workmanhis own zone or area of operation immediately above or below the otherworkman. Thus they can handle long length siding units or conductsimilar operations.

The stages or decks 21 (also called picks") are secured to the ladderrungs by J bolts to fix the lateral dimension between ladders andprevent any slippage or unsafe conditions. Hand rail and toe plates,such as described in my abovementioned previous application, are fittedto the stages to provide a completely safe working area.

F IGS. 6 and 7 show a modification of the truck when it is necessarythat the outrigger beam 2 clear a parapet or other obstructions on abuilding. By making the vertical corner post adjustable, by telescopingrods or pipes 24 into tubes 23, provision is made for this clearance.The telescoping parts have incremental adjustments. Channel struts tiethe telescopic legs into the under flange of the outrigger beam 2 forextreme rigidity.

These struts may be selectively connected at a plurality of positions 33in under flange 32 so as to provide a locus of possible adjustments, asindicated in dash and dot outline, so as to adjustably move theoutrigger beam 2 to different vertical positions. The lower end of strut31 is selectively connected to points 28 and '31 on flange 2'7 securedto the lower frame 3.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided an efficient, highly flexibleand universally adjustable suspension system for scaffolds which enablesvery rapid adjustment of the scaffold vertically, horizontally, inwardlyand outwardly, relative to the face of a building, as well as enablingmovement of the scaffold around the corner of the building and, at thesame time, insuring maximum safety in suspension at any adjustedposition of the scaffold; furthermore, l have provided a vehicularoutrigger that may be adjustably wheeled and locked in place atdifferent, selective positions of the roof in a very short timeinvolving a small fraction of time normally required for repositioningthe scaffold suspension; furthermore, l have provided a'scaffoldsuspension involving maximum of safety as well as a minimum expense andtime for performing various operations on the scaffold, such asinstallation of metal siding, cleaning, painting, etc.

While I have illustrated and described a single specific embodiment ofmy invention, it will be understood that this is by way of illustrationonly and that various changes and modifications may be contemplatedwithin the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a scaffold and suspension means therefor, avehicular outrigger movably mounted on tracks on the roof of a buildingfor moving the scaffold alongside the building and around cornersthereof, comprising a pair of spaced parallel trucks, each in the formof a beam mounted on a pair of casters havin g brake means for lockingthe casters in any selected position, a beam guide mounted on andtransversely of each truck, a beam extending transversely of said trucksand telescopically fitted through said beam guides and including anextension to adjustably move said suspension'means and scaffold towardsand away from the side of a building so that said scaffold can bemaneuvered around a building comer and clear all structural surfaces,each truck being strutted into said transversely extending beam by apair of angular extending ties integrally secured at each end to saidtruck and transverse beam, respectively.

2. The combination recited in claim 1 together with reinforcing flangeson said truck adjacent the point of suspension of said suspension meansand adjacent each of said casters to resist web crippling due toconcentrated loads.

3. A pair of separate and independently movable outriggers, each of theconstruction recited in claim 1, each suspending a ladder of a pair ofconfronting ladders supporting said scaffold means, a plurality ofselective weights mounted on the trucks on the inboard side of saidOutriggers for counterbalancing the weight of said ladders and scaffoldmeans, and a chain for encircling and locking said weights on theinboard trucks.

4. In combination with a scaffold and suspension means therefor, avehicular outrigger movably mounted on tracks on the roof of a building,comprising a pair of spaced parallel trucks each in the form of a beammounted on a pair of casters having brake means for locking the castersin any selected position, a beam guide mounted on each truck, a beamextending transversely of said trucks through said beam guides andincluding a telescoping extension to adjustably move said suspensiontowards and away from the side of a building so that said scaffold canbe maneuvered around the building corner and clear all structuralsurfaces, a beam underflange extending along and secured to theunderside of said transversely extending beam, a pair of struts havingone end pivotally connected to one of said trucks and the other endselectively pivoted at a plurality of positions in said under flange soas to provide a locus of possible adjustments of height of saidtransverse beam and so as to provide central, selective verticalclearances between said trucks to clear parapets and other obstructionsin the roof.

5. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein vertically adjustablecomer posts mount said beam on the ends of said trucks.

1. In combination with a scaffold and suspension means therefor, avehicular outrigger movably mounted on tracks on the roof of a buildingfor moving the scaffold alongside the building and around cornersthereof, comprising a pair of spaced parallel trucks, each in the formof a beam mounted on a pair of casters having brake means for lockingthe casters in any selected position, a beam guide mounted on andtransversely of each truck, a beam extending transversely of said trucksAnd telescopically fitted through said beam guides and including anextension to adjustably move said suspension means and scaffold towardsand away from the side of a building so that said scaffold can bemaneuvered around a building corner and clear all structural surfaces,each truck being strutted into said transversely extending beam by apair of angular extending ties integrally secured at each end to saidtruck and transverse beam, respectively.
 2. The combination recited inclaim 1 together with reinforcing flanges on said truck adjacent thepoint of suspension of said suspension means and adjacent each of saidcasters to resist web crippling due to concentrated loads.
 3. A pair ofseparate and independently movable outriggers, each of the constructionrecited in claim 1, each suspending a ladder of a pair of confrontingladders supporting said scaffold means, a plurality of selective weightsmounted on the trucks on the inboard side of said outriggers forcounterbalancing the weight of said ladders and scaffold means, and achain for encircling and locking said weights on the inboard trucks. 4.In combination with a scaffold and suspension means therefor, avehicular outrigger movably mounted on tracks on the roof of a building,comprising a pair of spaced parallel trucks each in the form of a beammounted on a pair of casters having brake means for locking the castersin any selected position, a beam guide mounted on each truck, a beamextending transversely of said trucks through said beam guides andincluding a telescoping extension to adjustably move said suspensiontowards and away from the side of a building so that said scaffold canbe maneuvered around the building corner and clear all structuralsurfaces, a beam underflange extending along and secured to theunderside of said transversely extending beam, a pair of struts havingone end pivotally connected to one of said trucks and the other endselectively pivoted at a plurality of positions in said under flange soas to provide a locus of possible adjustments of height of saidtransverse beam and so as to provide central, selective verticalclearances between said trucks to clear parapets and other obstructionsin the roof.
 5. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein verticallyadjustable corner posts mount said beam on the ends of said trucks.